In the CTFB kitchen, innovation is always on the menu. This spring, our Meal Production team welcomed a sleek new addition: a speed-sealing machine. It’s a powerful piece of equipment designed to seal fresh, ready-to-go meals in record time. It’s fast, efficient — and, as far as kitchen machinery goes, a little breathtaking.
The machine boasts the ability to seal 1,700 meals an hour, making our processes much more efficient. Five volunteers can use the machine at the same time, loading it with freshly made meals, and within 30 minutes, and the snap of your fingers, their work is done!
But what really makes this machine exciting isn’t just its speed — it’s the heart behind how it’s used.
That passion for feeding our community shines through every step of the process. Our team doesn’t just think about logistics; they think about the kids who rely on these meals and how food can be both comforting and eye-opening. From menu planning to meal prep, it’s all about helping kids discover new tastes and feel cared for at the same time.
Each week, CTFB prepares and delivers more than 4,500 fresh, nutritious afterschool meals to kids across Central Texas. These meals go out to more than 35 partners, including schools, community centers, and afterschool programs. This summer, we’ll scale up even more as we launch our seasonal Summer Meals Program to help close the meal gap while school is out.
The speed seal machine helps us keep up with this growth, reducing food waste, streamlining operations, and ensuring every tray is sealed with the consistency and care kids deserve.
The team is still working on naming this powerful new partner in the kitchen. Our smaller, veteran sealing machine is lovingly called Ce-Seal-ia (we love a good pun at CTFB), and the naming brainstorm is underway — but nothing has stuck just yet.
Want to see our newest sealing superstar in action?
Come volunteer in our kitchen! You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at how we prepare thousands of fresh meals each week — and you’ll be part of the team powering real impact for kids across Central Texas.
While you’re at it, help us give this machine a name as bold, fun, and efficient as it is. Got a punny, heartwarming or downright brilliant suggestion? Share it during your shift, and stay tuned to see what name sticks.
Because everything’s better when it’s sealed with love (and a little help from our community).
